Tuguegarao City— Cagayan marks its 441st anniversary with month-long activities dubbed Aggao Nac Cagayan from June 1 to July 2 with the theme “Pagguruffunan, Endless Cagayan” heralding the province’s gains in tourism and other economic drivers.
Gov. Manuel Mamba said the observance would be “30 days of fun” that fall on his eighth year of political leadership in the province.
“We deserve this since we have been doing our uttermost in the service of our people, inspiring our people, and the greatest time to show them that all we are doing is in one direction as we support each Cagayano,” Mamba told reporters during a press briefing.
“Pagguruffunan (pagtutulungan, pagkaykaysa) is what we need during these trying times. This is the most challenging time we have had. There are numerous challenges that we face in the province, as well as on a global scale,” the governor noted.
“Let us unite in the midst of the challenge. We want to feel that we can help each other at this time. Let us unite, bury our differences, and move in the same direction,” he added.
According to him, Cagayan has changed greatly since 2016.
“We have proven our worth within the Cagayan provincial government. I believe we have had an impact on the lives of countless Cagayanos, he said.
His wife, lawyer Mabel Villarica-Mamba who was named chairperson of the Aggao Nac Cagayan 2024 steering committee, said the festival will be highlighted throughout all festivities.
“We have always endeavored to make the current Aggao Nac Cagayan celebration the best one ever,” she said.
“We promise you a celebration of Cagayan pride. Here in Cagayan, the fun will be endless. This will be avery fun celebration. The celebration will feature over 50 activities, starting with the Governor Mamba Cup, an inter-town basketball tournament on June 1, and ending with the Feast of Our Lady of Piat on July 2, she added.
For her part, Jenifer Junio-Baquiran, acting Provincial Tourism Officer, said, Aggao Nac Cagayan has seen a significant increase in tourists of 30,000 visitors during the month of June. We will be expecting more tourists this year since tourism is now open and the province has its own tourism brand, “Endless Fun, Cagayan.”
“Furthermore, we should note that the Feast of Our Lady of Piat is celebrated by the devotees and because we are known as a pilgrimage site in Norte,” Bacquiran said.
The Trade Fair “Paddarafunan” will feature the various products of Cagayano business owners, small and medium-sized enterprises, and exhibitors, while the different towns of the province will bring together agricultural products, technology, and other tourism offerings at the Leonardo Mamba Gym.
This month-long celebration commemorates the creation of the provinces civil government on June 29, 1583.